Operation Starlite

Operation Starlite was the United States' first regimental-size action of the Vietnam War, fought from 18 to 24 August 1965.

The US general Lew Walt planned a preemptive strike on the Viet Cong to protect the Chu Lai Air Base and its vital communication tower, and it involved ground, air, and naval units. US Marine Corps teams were inserted by air and sea, and their initial attack was successful. However, on 21 August, journalist Peter Arnett filmed the Viet Cong's ambush of a Marine armored supply column which disabled two tanks and four LVTP-5s and killed 5 US troops and wounded 11 (out of 27 troops who were part of the convoy). The ambush was an embarrassment to President Lyndon B. Johnson, who had intended to keep the operation a secret. By 24 August, the Viet Cong had been cleared from the target area, but they had inflicted considerable losses on the Americans. Both sides claimed victory, and US morale rose due to their first solo, regimental-size action being a nominal success.